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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Longines Open Face Pocket Watch with Chain

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch is reported by the auctioneer to house a manual-wind movement signed Longines W. Co. Swiss, caliber 15.94, numbered 3577254 with 15 jewels and 3 adjustments. The visible matte gold-tone dial features black Arabic numerals and Breguet-style hands framed by an engraved patterned bezel. The movement is cased in a gold-filled Illinois Watch Case Co. case stamped 'Warranted 25 Years' with serial number 3149519. Measuring 1.75 inches across the bezel, the case back reportedly bears an Art Deco monogram reading 'AMA' and is accompanied by a two-tone bar-and-link chain.

Dial and bezel view of the open-face pocket watch shown with attached two-tone chain
Dial and bezel view of the open-face pocket watch shown with attached two-tone chain — Palmer's Auction Co. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Longines
Reference
15.94
Catalogue / lot identifier
0098
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
3577254

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial and Case Presentation

The open-face pocket watch features a round gold-tone dial showing a textured matte finish, fitted with black Arabic numeral hour markers and Breguet-style hands. The dial is framed by an engraved bezel with a scroll pattern, surmounted at the 12 o'clock position by a winding crown and a bow with chased detailing.

The housing is a gold-filled case produced by the Illinois Watch Case Co., measuring 1.75 inches across the bezel. The exterior case back is engraved with a stylized Art Deco monogram reading 'AMA'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Matte gold-tone dial with black Arabic numerals and Breguet-style hands”
  • “Engraved foliate scroll pattern bordering the round bezel”
  • “The exterior case back features a stylized Art Deco monogram engraved with the letters AMA.”

Reported Movement and Markings

According to the cataloguing description, the rear case encloses a manual-wind Longines movement engraved 'Longines W. Co. Swiss, 15 Jewels, and 3 Adj.' The bridge bears movement serial number 3577254, and caliber number 15.94 is reported near the balance wheel.

The interior of the case back is reported to be stamped in a circular layout with 'Illinois Watch Case Co. Warranted 25 Years' along with case serial number 3149519. These internal movement and casing marks are documented by the seller and are not directly visible on the dial face.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is visible through the rear case and is engraved with Longines W. Co. Swiss, 15 Jewels, and 3 Adj.”
  • “The serial number 3577254 is engraved on the bridge, and the caliber number 15.94 is visible near the balance wheel.”
  • “The interior of the case back is stamped in a circular format with Illinois Watch Case Co. Warranted 25 Years, and carries the case serial number 3149519.”

Accessory and Condition Observations

The pocket watch is accompanied by a two-tone bar-and-link chain fitted with a spring ring clasp.

The auction house records notable wear across the assembly: the mechanical movement does not run, and the movement plates exhibit tarnishing and spotting. The dial displays surface oxidation, spotting, and heavy discoloration, while the case shows scratching and brassing on the outer edges and bow. The chain also demonstrates plating wear at its link junctions.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is paired with a two-tone bar-and-link chain finished with a spring ring clasp.”
  • “The movement does not run.”
  • “The dial shows significant oxidation, spotting, and heavy discoloration across the entire surface (photo 1).”

Open research questions

  • Does the Longines serial number 3577254 align with factory production dates in Longines archival records for caliber 15.94?
  • What specific mechanical fault or component damage prevents the movement from running?
  • Is the Illinois Watch Case Co. case original to the initial importation and delivery of the movement to the North American market?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Longines Open Face Pocket Watch with Chain
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Caliber15.94“caliber number 15.94 is visible near the balance wheel”
Movement Serial Number3577254“The serial number 3577254 is engraved on the bridge”
Jewels and Adjustments15 Jewels, 3 Adjustments“engraved with Longines W. Co. Swiss, 15 Jewels, and 3 Adj.”
Case MakerIllinois Watch Case Co.“interior of the case back is stamped in a circular format with Illinois Watch Case Co. Warranted 25 Years”
Case Serial Number3149519“carries the case serial number 3149519”
Case Diameter1.75 inches“Case diameter: 1.75 inches (measured across the bezel).”
Exterior MonogramAMA“The exterior case back features a stylized Art Deco monogram engraved with the letters AMA.”
Mechanical ConditionNon-running“The movement does not run.”
Chain Clasp TypeSpring ring clasp“finished with a spring ring clasp”

Visible details

  • Matte gold-tone dial with black Arabic numerals and Breguet-style hands
  • Engraved foliate scroll pattern bordering the round bezel
  • Bow with chased detailing at the 12 o'clock position above winding crown
  • Two-tone bar-and-link pocket watch chain with spring ring terminal

Research qualifications

  • The auction house reports the movement does not run
  • Movement markings, caliber 15.94 stamp, and case back interior markings are source-reported and not visible in the primary dial photograph

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Longines Gold-filled Open Face Pocket Watch With Two-tone Chain Auction

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record b34d152ef5

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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